ISLAMABAD: Pakistan had a winning start to their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign with a decent 81-run win over the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on 6 Oct, that boosted moral of the team.
While struggling in the beginning with a three-wicket loss on just 38 runs, the 120-stand partnership of 114 balls between Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel drew Pakistan into a decent total, where later all-rounders Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz also added 64-run.
The victory also brought Pakistan a net run rate of 1.620 for dismissing the Dutch in 41 overs. The first win would hopefully provide a winning spree for the team as they are facing Sri Lanka tomorrow in Hyderabad for the second encounter.
Speaking to PCB Digital ahead of the second contest, inform Muhammad Nawaz said that it was very important to start a big tournament on a positive note, and that was what they were looking for.
“We have played two practice matches followed by the first match in Hyderabad. It all, however, depends on the day and how to execute your skills perfectly. We are hopeful of continuing the momentum that we have gained by beating the Netherlands and finishing the Hyderabad leg with a win”, he said.
Pakistan Against Sri Lanka
Nawaz also appreciated the outstanding partnership between Muhammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel in a crucial time, “It was an outstanding partnership between the two considering the circumstances it came in”, he said.
The cricket experts believe that to counter Sri Lanka in a better way, Pakistan must have come to the ground with different planes and formations. Being mostly the batting tracks with support for spin bowlers and Asian condition, Pakistan should chalk out a play from Sri Lankan spinners and their inform batsmen, including Kusal Mendis, Asalanka, etc.
It is worth noting here that, despite having a young team with a defeat from South Africa in the event, Sri Lanka had won its last game against Pakistan in the Asia Cup a month before. In addition, Pakistan’s top order must be clicked to compile a decent total against Sri Lanka. Having a good opening stand could also release pressure from Babar Azam, who recently struggled against off-spin.
In Bowling, Pakistan should also consider introducing one spinner in the beginning, as it mostly works in India. For this purpose, Muhammad Nawaz could be a suitable choice. After Sri Lanka, Pakistan has to face the challenge of facing more difficult spinners, including Kuldeep Yadav from India and Rashid Khan from Afghanistan in the next matches.
